What’s Inspiration Got to Do with It?
Whew! Is 2024 over yet?
And what’s the word for 2025? Details may be unclear, but the new year promises to bring opportunities and challenges that could affect business strategy and tactics. And those changes can impact compensation (benefits, raises, bonuses, etc.). This begs the question: How and where to focus hearts and minds in the days and months ahead?
Planning and executing business goals, objectives and strategy is a given. Achieving true success means channeling the resiliency and boundless power that an undercurrent of inspiration can create, especially in uncertain times. And inspiration – a priceless asset – begins with clarity around your business WHY.
At its best, inspiration is more than words of encouragement. Those who are inspired by a clear understanding of a collective purpose – from leaders or colleagues – will up their game, intensify their commitment, and ultimately, improve business outcomes.
As we look ahead to an uncertain year, it’s a good time to ground yourself and your team in your WHY. The end game is to fuel passion (despite hurdles) and motivate teams to go the extra mile. Inspiration is a team sport, and everyone plays a role.
Other positive side effects: Improved team energy, the all-important resiliency muscle needed in these times, and a more positive experience of the journey for all.
“The man who loves walking will walk further than the man who loves the destination.”– Lao Tzu
Where do you begin? Here are a few suggestions.
- What are you hearing from the top? “Localize” the WHY to a team level so that people can digest and engage/act.
- Keep it simple. Share information. Create a narrative. Storytelling: Put all the pieces in place
- No need to blow up your communications plan (who needs another PowerPoint?) Weave your WHY into existing communications, team events, and other channels.
- Remember, this isn’t one and done. Keep your WHY alive – make it part of ongoing discussions.
- Update your WHY as the business strategy evolves.
Read more about what is fundamentally the biggest influence on employee happiness and well-being – workplace culture, Walk the talk on workplace well-being
